BEIJING – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysian businesses overseas to facilitate more investments back into the country.
He said the primary focus is rebuilding the country with the help of domestic and foreign investments.
“The time is now. It’s all right to invest outside of Malaysia but what is needed is to refocus investments back into Malaysia,” he told nearly 300 guests at an iftar event hosted by Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (Maycham China) here this evening.
The event also saw the attendance of many Chinese Muslim leaders and business delegations.
In his speech, he also had a message for cabinet members who are accompanying him during his official visit to China.
He reiterated for the ministers to “do whatever that is required” to ease doing business in Malaysia, especially avoiding delays and incurring additional costs.
Meanwhile, on his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping held earlier today, Anwar said that he is impressed with the humility shown by the senior statesman.
Anwar paid a courtesy call on Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People here this afternoon.
The prime minister was greeted by Xi upon arrival before the two proceeded to a meeting that lasted almost an hour.
Anwar was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, and Malaysian ambassador to China, Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin.
He was also among the first few foreign leaders to visit Beijing after Xi was re-elected for a precedent-breaking third term, and the appointment of Li Qiang as premier earlier this month.
China is one of eight countries Anwar visited since he took office some four months ago. – The Vibes, March 31, 2023